Girls Night In Norwich: More boycotts if rate of drink spiking continues

The group say the next boycott could be organised for a Saturday.

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 5th Nov 2021

Girls Night In Norwich say there could be more boycotts, if the current rate of drink spiking continues in the city.

It comes after clubs and bars were noticeably more quiet last night, thanks to a student boycott organised by Girls Night In Norwich, who hosted a film night instead.

The group was set up a few weeks ago by students from the University of East Anglia, who didn't think local clubs and bars were taking the issue seriously enough.

It followed reports across the country of people being spiked by injection, with some ending up needing hospital treatment.

It prompted action across England to highlight the issue of all kinds of spiking on a night out.

The leader of the group, who wanted to remain anonymous told us that if things don't improve and meaningful steps aren't taken, they could organise a bigger boycott: "If it continues like the way it is at the moment, I can see us doing another boycott in the future. Potentially, on a different day like a Saturday.

"Many locals have come to us and said we would like a boycott on a Saturday, as that will target a bigger community and not just students".

While there are no more planned boycotts at the moment, she also told us that they want to keep the pressure: "Carry on emailing these clubs and bars asking them what they are going to do.

"Are you going to take it further than just providing drink lids? Are you going to take it further than one welfare officer for a venue that can hold up to 800 people? I think its all about questioning those thing and keep pushing further and further if progress isn't made"

Some venues in the city have been taking action to try and prevent people from getting spiked.

Popworld on Prince of Wales said people could ask for bottle stoppers and foil tops for their glasses, which would be provided free at the bar.

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